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Tag: FCT

  • FCT: NUT directs primary school teachers to resume strike

    FCT: NUT directs primary school teachers to resume strike

    The Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Federal Capital Territory Wing, has directed primary school teachers in the territory to resume strike on Jan. 15.

    The union gave the directive in a communique issued at the end of an emergency meeting of the State Wing Standing Committee (SWSC), held in Abuja on Friday.

    The communique was signed by State Chairman, Mr Abdullahi Shafas, State Secretary, Ms Margaret Jethro, and State Publicity Secretary, Mr Ibukun Adekeye.

    The primary school teachers had embarked on indefinite strike on Sept. 11, 2023, over non implementation of 40 per cent Peculiar Allowance and payment of 25 months minimum wage arrears, among other issues.

    The NUT suspended the strike on Oct. 2, 2023 for six weeks to allow for the resolution of the issues, following the intervention of FCT Minister, Mr Nyesom Wike.

    Wike had set up a six-man committee to look into the issues and recommend solutions.

    The teachers, however, expressed worry that the six weeks had elapsed since Nov. 2023, with nothing positive achieved, even though the committee had submitted its report.

    “We are concerned that series of meetings have taken place, but the primary school teachers remain in a pathetic situation and continue to bear the brunt of the high cost of living.

    “Saddened by the suffering of the teachers and the nonpayment of the aforementioned entitlements, the SWSC has no other option than to direct all primary school teachers in FCT to resume the suspended strike.

    “The union, hereby, directs all FCT primary school teachers to resume the suspended strike action with effect from Monday, Jan. 15, till further notice.

    “Parents are advised to keep their children and wards in primary schools safe at home,” the NUT added.

    The union warned that all secondary school teachers in the FCT would join the strike from Jan. 22, if the demands of the primary school teachers were not met before Jan. 19, 2024.

  • FCTA moves to solve problem with mass transit in Abuja using BRT system

    FCTA moves to solve problem with mass transit in Abuja using BRT system

    The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) says it has concluded plans to introduce Bus Rapid Transportation System to ease transportation challenges in the federal capital, Abuja.

    The Director, Directorate of Road Traffic Services (DRTS), Dr Abdulateef Bello, made this known during an engagement with stakeholders in Abuja on Monday.

    Bello added that the administration had equally concluded plans to bring in buses that use Compressed Natural Gas, to solve the problems of mass transit in Abuja.

    He urged the stakeholders to key into the policy that would make a difference in the Abuja transportation ecosystem.

    According to him, the buses when acquired and deployed to different routes, will take care of the rickety vehicles and taxis that have been constituting nuisances on Abuja roads.

    The director also disclosed that plans have been concluded to reclaim the 46 taxi racks in the territory to reorganise the ranks for licensed operators.

    He explained that the need to standardise the transportation system in Abuja became necessary, considering that the city was fast evolving.

    “Abuja cannot be left without an organised transportation system that will meet the needs of all citizens,” he stressed.

    One of the stakeholders, Dr Abubakar Sadiq, Chairman, RTEAN Mass Transit, who applauded the development, urged the administration to consider critical players in the transportation sector.

  • Police arrest 23 suspected criminals in FCT

    Police arrest 23 suspected criminals in FCT

    The police command in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has arrested 23 suspects in connection with rape, armed robbery, car theft and other offences in the territory.

    The FCT Commissioner of Police, Mr Haruna Garba said this during a media briefing in Abuja.

    He said nine of the suspects were arrested for one chance, two for rape and 12 for armed robbery.

    The CP said five vehicles, five firearms and 12 live ammunition were recovered from the suspects.

    Garba said going by the arrest and recoveries for November, it was clear that crime had dropped significantly in the territory in December.

    “I wish to bring to the attention of the general public that there are some mischief-makers out there posting items on social media that the FCT is not safe, that one chance operators have taken over the FCT.

    “This is not true. I can say without any fear of contradiction that FCT is the safest city in Nigeria.

    “Many Nigerians are coming in droves to FCT to reside and do businesses due to prevailing peace and security in the city.

    “It is unfortunate that someone is leveraging on the social media to misinform the entire populace that FCT is not safe.

    “Those behind the fake news should be mindful of the fact that  Nigeria is the only country that we call our own,” he said.

    He said the target of the mischief makers was to create fear and apprehension in the minds of the people and of course, investors who would want to come to Nigeria to invest.

    “Christmas was celebrated peacefully without any serious security breach. The Millennium park, Magic Land (Amusement Park) and other recreational facilities, places of worship and other key/vulnerable points were adequately protected.

    “There was no single incident of any kind reported. The same strategies that were put in place during the Christmas period will be replicated during the New Year festival.

    “I wish to assure all law-abiding residents of the FCT that the Police are with you to see to your protection and attend to all your security concerns,” he said.

    43 suspects were arrested by operatives of the command for various criminal offences in November and three stolen vehicles, five firearms and 30 live ammunition were recovered, with one suspected kidnapper neutralised within the period.

  • NSCDC denies killing FCT students

    NSCDC denies killing FCT students

    The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) on Thursday denied its operatives killed two students at a secondary school in Gwarinpa, Abuja.

    Spokesperson of the FCT command of the NSCDC, Ms Comfort Okomanyi, stated that the students in question were alive and recuperating at a medical facility within the FCT.

    Okomanyi added that the FCT Commandant of the NSCDC, Mr Olusola Odumosu, visited the wounded students on Thursday after a routine inspection of their school’s premises.

    Two students of Junior Secondary School, Gwarinpa, were reported to have been hit by gunshots of personnel of the NSCDC during a scuffle between suspected cult groups.

    Okomanyi stated that the Commandant-General of the NSCDC, Mr Ahmed Audi, had set up a panel of inquiry to investigate the matter.

    She added that Audi assured that the NSCDC was determined to enforce internal disciplinary mechanism to punish any personnel found guilty in the unfortunate incident.

    Okomanyi quoted Odumosu as saying that in the fracas, NSCDC personnel fired warning shots into the air to prevent carnage by notorious ex-students who were suspected cult members, but had been expelled from the school.

    “The corps apologise to parents and guardians of the two students who were injured unintentionally during the intervention and promise to pick bills incurred in the course of their treatment,’’ he said.

    Odumosu explained in the statement that the NSCDC was invited by the school’s management for security coverage through a letter dated Nov. 21 and signed by the principal, Mr Akinfolajimi Olayinka.

    “On Wednesday, the school was invaded by some notorious elements, some of whom were expelled students and their student collaborators to disturb the peace of the school.

    “They caused mayhem and destroyed cars belonging to teachers at the school’s parking lot.

    “Armed with cudgels and other dangerous weapons, some of the hoodlums launched attack on the deployed unarmed NSCDC personnel, staff and students of the school which necessitated the call for reinforcement.

    “On account of this development and to prevent the situation from getting out of hands, the police were intimated which resulted to the deployment of policemen to the school,’’ Odumosu explained in the statement.

    Odumosu said reinforcement by NSCDC operatives and the police already restored normalcy, peace and order within and outside the school premises.

  • Police arrest 43 suspects over ‘one chance’ robbery, others in FCT

    Police arrest 43 suspects over ‘one chance’ robbery, others in FCT

    The Police Command in the Federal Capital Territory  (FCT) said it has arrested 43 suspects over “one chance” robbery, kidnapping, armed robbery, cultism and other criminal offences in the territory.

    The Commissioner of Police (CP) in the FCT, Mr Haruna Garba said this during a media briefing on Tuesday in Abuja.

    He said 11 of the suspects were arrested over “one chance” robbery, seven for alleged kidnapping, and others for various criminal offences.

    Garba said three stolen vehicles, five firearms, 30 ammunition, and other dangerous weapons were recovered from the suspects.

    He said operatives from the Tradmore Division of the Command, on Oct. 24, arrested a suspect following a report by one Faith James.

    The CP said James had reported that she boarded a green Peugeot vehicle with Reg. No. CK 202 GWA from ACO estate junction heading to Trademore and was robbed of her belongings, including N110,000 cash.

    He said the victim was robbed by the commercial vehicle driver and her colleagues who pretended to be genuine passengers.

    “On receipt of the report, Police Operatives from the division swung into action, trailed and arrested a suspect with the same vehicle in the process of committing the same act on another innocent passenger.

    “The suspect has confessed to his involvement in the crime and is assisting the Police to apprehend his other gang members at large,” Garba said.

    The CP also said operatives from Asokoro Division, on Oct. 30,  while on routine patrol along DSS Quarters, Asokoro observed a Vento Volkswagen car with Reg No. APP 307 GS moving in a suspicious manner.

    He said the operatives intercepted the driver of the vehicle opposite Niger barracks and arrested the three males and two females in the car.

    The CP said the suspects had during investigation, confessed to being a “one chance” syndicate, who specialises in identifying and picking up their victims, take them to an isolated area, rob them of their valuables, and drop them off at isolated locations.

    According to him, while searching the vehicle, police operatives discovered four bundles of wrapped paper cut to money size, four car keys and other valuables.

    He added that operatives from Asokoro, with the assistance of the Nigerian Army Intelligence Unit, arrested five other “one chance” robbery suspects on Nov. 11.

    The CP said the arrest followed a report from one Bright Ezekiel that, she and her friend, one Rose Augustine, boarded a vehicle from Mogadishu Cantonment to Kubwa but were taken to unknown destination.

    He said the victims were robbed of N482,000 and N387,500, respectively, through transfer from their bank accounts by the suspects.

    “On receipt of the report, operatives from Asokoro Division swung into action and with the help of the Nigeria Army Intelligence Unit, five suspects were arrested.

    “Their operational vehicle, Volkswagen taxi with Reg. No. AA 958 RYM was recovered,” he said.

    The CP said the suspects had confessed to the crime and would be arraigned in court upon completion of investigation.

  • FCT Fire Service moves to check attack on personnel

    FCT Fire Service moves to check attack on personnel

    The Federal Capital Territory Fire Service (FCT-Fire), says it is collaborating with the police and other security agencies to prevent attacks on its personnel while responding to emergencies.

    The Spokesman of the service, Mr Ibrahim Tauheed, NAN on Monday in Abuja that they were also engaging communities to raise awareness about the importance of their work.

    “To discourage hoodlums from interfering with our fire-fighting operations, we are considering increasing community engagements through outreach programmes to raise awareness about the importance of our work.

    “Collaborating with local authorities and community leaders, including district heads and chiefs, will go a long way in addressing the ugly trend,” he added.

    The spokesman said they would continue to work closely with law enforcement agencies for backup during emergencies to deter hoodlums from attacking fire service personnel and looting properties.

    “The recent Samsung warehouse fire experience was an excellent example where hoodlums and other miscreants in their large numbers attacked our personnel to pave way for their nefarious activities.

    “The collaboration with security agencies and community leaders will therefore create the much needed safer environment for our personnel to work with,” Tauheed said.

  • FCTA to review security in FCT – Official

    FCTA to review security in FCT – Official

    The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) says it has concluded plans to review the security architecture in the federal capital, Abuja.

    The Director, Department of Security Service, FCTA, Mr Adamu Gwary, stated this during end-of-year media briefing in Abuja on Sunday.

    Gwary said that plans had also reached advanced stages to revive the G-7 security initiative and expand its number of security informants to include artisans and farmers among others.

    He explained that the use of informants and vigilante groups for information and intelligence gathering, were part of community policing of the FCT Administration.

    This, according to him, will ensure that the capital city remains safe and secured.

    The director added that the FCTA have banned begging and hawking within the secretariat as part of efforts to ensure security.

    He also said that the FCTA has concluded plans to float an effective transportation system to address the menace of one chance operators in the capital city.

    “We are working assiduously behind the scenes to maintain security in the nation’s capital, including keeping peace between herders and farmers.

    “We are also working with relevant agencies in preventing vandalisation of public utilities,” he said.

    He said the FCT Administration has completed the installation of CCTV cameras around its secretariat in phase I of the programme, adding that the phase II would involve installation in strategic areas of the city.

    This, according to him, will enable security agencies to monitor, arrest and prosecute criminals.

    He called on residents to be security conscious and report any suspicious happenings to nearby Police stations.

    Gwary equally charged tradition leaders to adhere to the code of conduct guiding the traditional institutions, disclosing that a traditional chief was arrested for his involvement in kidnapping.

    He added that the chief has been stripped of his title and handed over for prosecution.

    He decried the weak legal structures in the FCT, which he said was negatively affecting adjudication and punishment of lawbreakers and criminals.

  • Wike directs reconstruction of FCT school where pupils sit on bare floor

    Wike directs reconstruction of FCT school where pupils sit on bare floor

    The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike, has directed the Education Secretariat of the FCT Administration to reconstruct the classrooms of Local Education Authority Primary School, Bagusa, in Abuja.

    The school under Abuja Municipal Area Council, with a population of about 200 pupils, had only six classes and a creche built by the community, but without walls, except a zinc roof supported by pillars of wood.

    The class has only 16 desks, and of the six classes, only the crèche section had a cement floor, forcing the pupils to sit on the bare floor to learn.

    The Mandate Secretary, Education Secretariat, FCTA, Dr Danlami Hayyo, made this known shortly after inspecting the school in Abuja on Thursday.

    He told journalists that Wike was concerned about the condition of the school and the challenge it poses to the learning outcomes of the pupils.

    He said that for the short and long-term solution to the problem, the administration would complete the construction of existing classrooms built by the community and construct additional classrooms for the school.

    This, according to him, will ensure the pupils properly transit from the primary level to Junior Secondary School on the same site.

    He added that the construction would be executed swiftly and efficiently to guarantee a conducive learning environment for the pupils.

    He said that FCTA would collaborate with relevant authorities and stakeholders like the Universal Basic Education Board on the counterpart funding to expedite construction of the classrooms.

    To further safeguard the school land, Hayyo advised community members to keep off the school land.

    He explained that the school was established by the previous administration, adding however, that no single structure was erected by the administration since establishment.

    He said that the deplorable state of the school was brought to the minister’s attention through a media publication and immediately directed an inspection visit and immediate action.

    He added that the school would be converted to a modern school where both primary and junior secondary schools would be situated in the same location to ensure transition from primary to junior secondary school.

    “At the secretariat level, we are committed to addressing the underlying issues that led to this unacceptable situation.

    “We will work tirelessly to enhance infrastructure and ensure that no child’s education is compromised by inadequate facilities or unsafe conditions,” the mandate secretary said.

    The pioneer Head Teacher of the School, Mr Chebawaza Katungu, expressed delight that the school has received the minister’s attention for prompt intervention.

    This, according to him, will ensure a safer and more suitable learning environment for quality teaching and learning.

    Also speaking, the Chief of Bagusa Community, Mr Zakka Iyah, thanked the FCT minister for the prompt intervention.

    Iyah assured of the community’s cooperation when the construction began.

  • Senate seeks probe into $500m CCTV contract in FCT

    Senate seeks probe into $500m CCTV contract in FCT

    The Senate has called on the Minister of Federal Capital Territory,(FCT) Chief Nyesom Wike to investigate the implementation of 500 million dollars contract on installation of CCTV cameras in the FCT.

    Senate resolution was sequel to the adoption of a motion on Galadimawa Kidnapping Tragedy at plenary on Wednesday.

    The motion was sponsored by Sen.Ned Nwoko(PDP-Delta).

    Nwoke in his lead debate expressed concern on the recent kidnapping incident in Galadimawa area of the FCT, involving multiple individuals, including his Senior Legislative Aide, Mr. Chris Agidy.

    He said two weeks ago, a distressing incident unfolded, where 19 individuals were forcefully taken from their homes in Galadimawa area of Abuja.

    Nwoke said, upon receiving the distressing news, immediate measures were taken, saying that he contacted the Commissioner of Police who swiftly activated the OC Anti-Kidnapping team to secure the release of those abducted.

    He, however, expressed regret that distressing updates from reliable police sources confirmed that out of the 19 individuals abducted, 12 have been killed, while seven remained in the custody of the kidnappers.

    He said efforts to ascertain the well-being and status of his staff, among the 7 individuals still held, was ongoing.

    Nwoke said there was a close coordination with the security operatives who have been diligently working on the matter.

    He, however, said the challenges persist, as contacting the kidnappers for negotiation has proven immensely difficult.

    “Their lines remain inactive, hindering direct communication and negotiation efforts.

    “According to security operatives, efforts are still focused on securing the remaining individuals held captive from the forested area approximately 100 km away, despite the daunting challenges faced in reaching the kidnappers.

    “As we await further updates from the authorities, we remain resolute in our pursuit of a swift and safe resolution to this distressing situation.”

    Contributing, Sen. Enyinnaya Abaribe (APGA-Abia ) said kidnapping was not just in Galadimawa alone, but also in Lugbe, Kubwa Kuje, and other parts of the FCT.

    He said many residents in these areas no longer sleep in their homes for fear of being kidnapped.

    He said there was an urgent need for the senate to take the issue seriously as FCT its environs was under seige of kidnapping.

    Sen.Adamu Alero (PDP-Kebbi) said insecurity was everywhere in the FCT, saying that urgent steps needed to be taken to put a halt to it.

    He called for a revisiting of the 500 million dollars contract awarded for the installation of CCTV cameras in the FCT in the past.

    Alero said it was a shame, national embarrassment for kidnapping activities to be happening in the FCT, saying that the National Assembly had approved over N 1 trillion for security agencies to fight insecurity in Nigeria.

    Senate in its further resolutions, called for a Joint operation involving the Army, Police and DSS to intensify search efforts for the kidnapped victims.

    It also urge the Minister of FCT to revisit the installation of CCTV contract award within Abuja where over 500 million dollars has been spent and make the contractor accountable.

    It also called on the Inspector General of Police to increase the surveillance patrols in Abuja to prevent kidnapping.

    Senate also called on the IGP to conduct thorough investigation into the kidnapping in Abuja.

    It also mandated its committees on securities to enforce robust security measures within Abuja and prevail on security agencies to consider installation of the CCTV cameras within specific areas in Abuja and other parts of the country.

    It also urged its b Committee on FCT to liase with the FCT Minster on ways to resolve insecurity in Abuja.

  • Why I suspended issuance of Certificate of Occupancy – Wike

    Why I suspended issuance of Certificate of Occupancy – Wike

    Former Rivers state governor and the  current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike has explained why he suspended signing Certificate of Occupancy, C of O.

    Wike noted that the FCT Administration has resolved to sanitize the process of issuing Certificate of Occupancy, C of O in the FCT.

    He Rivers born politician made this known during an interactive session with Estate Developers and Residents’ Associations in the FCT at the FCDA Conference Hall in Abuja on Tuesday, November 21, 2023.

    In his opening remarks, the Senior Special Assistant to the Minister on Land, Urban and Regional Planning, who is also the Chairman of the Ministerial Task Force on Issuance of C of O for Mass Housing and the Recovery of Land Use Contravention fees, said the meeting was called at the behest of the FCT Minister in order to resolve disagreement between the Task Force and the developers and residents’ association for the payment of N5 million Naira as fees for the collection of C of Os.

    The FCT Minister on his part lamented that the issuance of C of O in the FCT was enmeshed in a lot of controversy which sometimes led to crises.

    He said, “One of the reasons I have stopped signing is because I don’t trust those C of Os they are bringing for me to sign. I don’t want to sign a C of O that has been given to another person.”

    He therefore vowed that very tough decisions will be taken to resolve the crisis and restore the integrity of the system.

    However after consideration of requests raised by residents at the meeting, Barrister Wike extended the period of time to pay for the C of O from 3 to 4 months,

    He reminded the participants at the meeting that the FCT as a non-oil State relies on revenue generation for development activities and warned that the four-month period would not be extended.

    He said, “I want to stand firm and tell you this; I’ve extended for four months. It will not go beyond four months.”

    On the suggestion by the residents that the flat rate of N5 million for the issuance of C of Os should be reviewed to reflect the size and location of the property, the Minister insisted that a C of O is a business and security document which is not necessarily graded according to the size of the property or its location, and insisted that a flat rate of N5 million must be paid for its collection.

    He however hinted at the possibility of a review of this sum.

    He said, “If you want to have a C of O, which is a security and business document, it is not graded based on one bedroom flat or two-bedroom flat.”

    The Minister also stated that he will seek the approval of the President for C of Os to be linked to the National Identity Number, NIN, for ease of identification and other issues of taxation and security.